Most Londoners think city is good place to live - but future not so bright

Saturday, July 14, 2012
12:33 PM

A poll of Londoners has found more than four in five of us think the capital is a good place to live – but the future outlook is not so bright.

In an Ipsos MORI survey for London Councils, the organisation which represents the capital’s 33 local authorities, 82 per cent of Londoners were happy about living in the city.

The poll also found Londoners have a generally positive view of the capital and a strong attachment to their local area.

Around three in four (77 per cent) of respondents said they were happy living in their local area (defined as being within 15 to 20 minutes walking distance from their home) and do not want to move.

But the poll also revealed some Londoners have a gloomy view of the future, with two in five (42 per cent) saying that London as a place to live is getting worse.

This appears to be linked, in part, to the impact the economic downturn is having on people.

Forty-four per cent of Londoners said the downturn has had a big impact on the way they and their household lives over the past three years, and these people are more likely to be negative about living in London.

There was also a significant minority (30 per cent) who said they would like to move from their local area, but simply can’t afford to.

The top three concerns about life in London were crime and security/policing issues, transport and roads and the economy and cost of living.

Mayor Jules Pipe, chairman of London Councils, said: “This poll reinforces our view that London is a fantastic city and a great place to live. But it also shows Londoners’ concerns about the future, and in particular their anxiety around crime, transport and the economy.

“London’s boroughs will continue to work hard to try and improve the everyday lives of Londoners and make sure they feel safe, have the transport infrastructure and job opportunities they need.”